In-vehicle Christmas tree for drag racing starting and timing

Abstract

In accordance with one embodiment an in-vehicle Christmas tree for drag racing starting and timing where a prior art drag tree is not available or convenient. An accelerometer integrated circuit provides means to synchronize all tree devices in a race and to detect a change in motion and/or acceleration instead of mounted stationary switches for pre-stage and stage positions of the prior art. This enables drivers the option of starting a drag race from a rolling start and/or to have predetermined distances offsetting a vehicle's starting position in relation to the other participating vehicle or vehicles, while simultaneously providing false start detection. The present invention comprising a tree device (10) attached to a vehicle's windshield by windshield mount assembly (8) and fastener (9). A control unit (17) is supplied with power from the vehicle through power cable (19) or by a replaceable internal battery (44). The tree device is controlled by the driver with remote unit (12) by pressing set button (15) to either initiate a race or respond to a race initiated by a competitor through a wireless communication transceiver on control unit circuit board (18). The control unit provides a means for wireless communication allowing to race more than two vehicles at a time.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]NoneFEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]NoneSEQUENCE LISTING[0003]NoneFIELD OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention relates to a drag racing starting and timing system, and more particularly, for an in-vehicle drag racing starting and timing system that allows drag racing when a prior art drag tree is not available and enables starting and timing for different styles of drag racing.DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART[0005]Prior art drag tree is referred to as a Christmas tree drag race starter and timer device for the starting of two race vehicles. The Christmas tree drag race starter and timer device is referred to as simply a drag tree. A drag tree is a stationary mounted identical double row of vertical lights, one row for each lane / driver and is placed on the track positioned between and in front of the two racing vehicles. The drag tree in FIG. 1 includes pre-stage lights 1, stage lights 2, sequencing lights 3, start light 4, and foul light 5...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]In accordance with one embodiment the present invention has for a general object the provision of a Christmas tree for drag racing starting and timing and more specifically, for an in-vehicle drag racing starting and t

Problems solved by technology

Another problem of the prior art drag tree is vehicles are limited to starting from a stationary condition.

Due to track condition or other factors such as vehicle horsepower, a vehicle's ability to get traction becomes an issue causing the vehicle to not run consistent.

The

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